He opposes federal carbon-emissions rules that would force a shift away from coal, which powers electrical plants and heavy industry in the upper Midwest. "We have made major investments to ensure we are providing our citizens with reliable, clean, affordable power," he said in 2014. "If enacted, the EPA's Clean Power Plan would be a blow to Wisconsin residents and business owners, and I join business leaders, elected officials, and industry representatives in opposing this plan."

Walker criticizes the Common Core education standards but his position has shifted around. The Wisconsin governor showed tacit support for the standards in his first term, according to PolitiFact and National Review.

Then he called for what sounded like either a repeal of the standards or a state opt-out, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "We want to put together a group of stakeholders from across our state to provide an alternative to these national standards." He has issued statements similar to that, drawing rebukes from those who say that nothing short of repeal will do.

He elaborated on his position a bit in an interview with Brian Calle, opinion editor of the Orange County Register: "I've always viewed marriage as being between a man and a woman. That's something that my state passed in the constitution in '06, and I defend it. But I get that people have other viewpoints on that. Nationally, I don't think it should be a national issue. I think it's something that should be resolved by the states."

He embraces foreign trade, saying it's been good for Wisconsin, and supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership.